Inclusive education: Approaches, Scope & Content Diane Richler President Inclusion International

Why is inclusive education essential for children with disabilities? What are the implications of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for inclusive education? How can the objectives of the CRPD be achieved? Are there different challenges in developed and emerging economies?

Why is inclusive education essential for children with disabilities?

Benefits of Quality Education Better health Reduced fertility Higher productivity Increased family income Increased Self-determination

For parents of children with intellectual disabilities… QUALITY = INCLUSION

Goal of Parents A child with a disability will attend the same school as his/her siblings and be included in age appropriate regular classes with non-disabled peers

Desired Indicators . . . Every child will be welcomed at the neighborhood school Every child will benefit from the social and academic stimulation of education with his/her peers Every school will develop strategies of support to make this approach successful.

Why Is Inclusive Education Essential? Can’t reach Education For All without children with disabilities Financially and practically impossible to create separate education system Inclusive education can provide a better education for all To build SOCIAL CAPITAL The fabric of our connections with each othe The collective value of our “social networks” [who people know] and our will to do things for each other [norms of reciprocity]. Robert Putnam, Harvard University Who Needs Social Capital? We all do People with disabilities need it more than most An essential way to get it is through inclusive education

One third of children out of school have a disability

Children are out of school because of… Discrimination Not registered at birth Lack of $ for clothes, shoes, materials Lack of transportation Unrest or armed conflict

Current Education Development Investment Strategies Out of context Result in limited participation Based on medical and rehabilitation models Segregate persons with a disability Don’t address systemic exclusion Limited coverage Expensive and unsustainable

What are the Implications of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for Inclusive Education?

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 24 Inclusive Education: A goal agreed to by governments and civil society Article 24: “ States Parties shall ensure an inclusive, education system at all levels, and life-long learning”

Article 24 Means: Inclusive education system at all levels Quality and free primary education and secondary education on an equal basis with others Reasonable accommodation Effective individualized support measures Qualified teachers

How can the objectives of the CRPD be achieved?

Eliminate legal barriers One ministry and one school system responsible Use special education resources to assist mainstream system Train educators to respond to diversity Address teaching conditions Invest in inclusive early childhood education (ECCE) Provide training to parents of children with disabilities

Steps Towards Implementation Eliminate legal and policy barriers Make the general education system more accessible Involve the family and community

Are there different challenges in developed and emerging economies?

Challenges to Achieving Inclusive Education Policy commitments not enough without corresponding investment Special education alone cannot achieve inclusion Influencing investment means influencing donors and recipients

In Developed Economies Need to tear down segregated system and Transform existing system

In Emerging Economies Need to create a system FOR ALL

Global Conference on Inclusive Education 1994-2009 Return to Salamanca: Renewing our Vision and the Road Ahead 1994-2009 October 21-23, 2009 Salamanca, Spain www.inclusion-international.org